Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:22pm on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Karnataka government implements a sweeping ban on hookah bars across the state, with penalties including imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. The legislation, an amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, aims to safeguard public health and combat tobacco-related diseases. Additionally, the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is raised to 21 years, aligning with efforts to deter underage smoking. Priyank Kharge, a state minister, underscores the move as crucial for public health and law enforcement, particularly targeting youth frequenting hookah bars. The directive also imposes restrictions on tobacco use in public places and near educational institutions.
